Colombia: FARC dissidents killed in clashes in Putumayo

Event

Defense officials have announced that security forces clashed with a group of ex-FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) dissidents, known as the 7th Front, in southern Putumayo department on Wednesday, May 16,. The fighting occurred near the border with Ecuador. According to officials, eight militants were killed, including the second-in-command of the group; three others were arrested.

Context

Security along Ecuador's border region with Colombia has deteriorated in recent months due to an increasing presence of Colombian organized crime groups, notably militants of the now-demobilized FARC guerrilla group who have refused to adhere to the 2016 peace agreement. A state of emergency in the Ecuadorian border cantons of San Lorenzo and Eloy Alfaro (Esmeraldas province) was initially declared following a bombing that targeted a police station in San Lorenzo on January 27, wounding some 30 people. The attack has been attributed to ex-FARC dissidents and was likely in retaliation for security operations targeting drug trafficking along the Colombia-Ecuador border. A string of violent incidents has since taken place in the region on both sides of the border.

Advice

Individuals in Colombia, particularly those in or planning travel to the Colombia-Ecuador border region, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for potential militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.